Let's Walk Australia is stepping out for the first time

By Darren Stones

On Saturday 3 September 2011 at 9.00am, Let's Walk Australia will hold its first walk along the 4-kilometre Maribyrnong River Loop Walk commencing from the Riverside Park car park, Essendon, Victoria. The entrance to the car park is via the roundabout at the intersection of The Boulevard and Fawkner Street, Essendon. Melway Map 28 B6.

Download the Let's Walk Australia flyer

The aim of Let's Walk Australia is to help and support those suffering a mental illness and to raise awareness in the community.

Maribyrnong River Loop Walk in Essendon
Photo: Darren Stones

You are welcome to walk with us if you fit into any of the following categories:

• Personal experience of a mental illness
• Relative of someone with experience of a mental illness
• Friend of someone with experience of a mental illness
• Carer of someone with experience of a mental illness
• A person who wants to raise awareness of mental illness in the community
• Health professional

Come along for some exercise and a chat in a scenic location where people participate in a variety of recreational activities. You will meet new friends and enjoy morning tea.

You are encouraged to bring a friend and your camera. BYO morning tea.

Further information about the venue and walk is located on the Let's Walk Australia website's Venue page.

Darren Stones
Let's Walk Australia Coordinator
http://www.letswalkaustralia.com/

Walkers on the Maribyrnong River Loop Walk in Essendon
Photo: Darren Stones

The 2011 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Photography Exhibition and Competition

By Darren Stones

If you are a professional or amateur photographer, you may like to consider entering the 2011 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Photography Exhibition and competition.

This year sees a changing of the guard in that Tim and Amy Wood have handed over the reigns as exhibition Coordinator to professional photographer Denise Yates. Tim and Amy did the festival proud by successfully reigniting the exhibition a few years ago to a point where the main prize is now highly sought after by Australian professional and amateur photographers.

I would like to acknowledge the terrific voluntary contributions made by Tim and Amy, and say a personal thank you to them. As the winner of the bronze statuette for photography at the 2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, the hospitality given to me by Tim and Amy was first class as they invited me to attend the festival and awards dinner and helped arrange my accommodation. They are a credit to the festival and to their hometown of Grenfell.

Dog Rocks by Darren Stones
Best photograph of the 2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts
Bronze Statuette Winner

Denise Yates is a professional photographer from Grenfell and one her objectives as the newly appointed coordinator is to raise the standard of the exhibition and competition whereby entries sought must comply with the overall dimensions of 16 x 20 inches. I believe this is a great step forward for the festival, as the entries submitted will provide for a more professional looking exhibition.

I believe Denise is working on improving the lighting for this years exhibition, so that can only help raise the overall presentation to the many visitors who will see the exhibition from June 10-13, 2011 at 117 Main Street, Grenfell, New South Wales, Australia.

I will be participating in this year's exhibition and have booked my accommodation for three nights in Grenfell so I can attend the photography exhibition and enjoy the festivities. I am looking forward to catching up with friends and meeting new ones.

Further information:
The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts is held each year during the Queen's Birthday weekend in June. See the festival's website and Facebook sites for entry forms, news, and program information.
www.grenfell.org.au/henrylawsonfestival
https://www.facebook.com/grenfellfestival

Festival program:
See the festival program for scheduled events.

Jimmy Barnes and friends rock Aussie Rock on Arden

By Darren Stones - a 1980s music tragic

It's rare to get the opportunity to see some of Australia's best rock'n'roll talent assembled in one place in Melbourne to perform an outdoor gig over seven hours. But when that occasion arises, it's best to book tickets fast and prepare your best-looking black shirt.

Last Saturday between 3-10pm, the North Melbourne Football Club hosted Aussie Rock on Arden featuring Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens and Noiseworks, Ian Moss and Shannon Noll. With the temperature reaching 30 degrees Celcius, things were hot and sweaty both on and off the stage. Fold-up chairs and picnic blankets were the order of the day for the patrons who gathered on the oval, along with plenty of water, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.

Ian Moss
Photo: Darren Stones

Ian Moss
Photo: Darren Stones

First of the headline acts to perform was Ian 'Mossy' Moss. Formerly of Cold Chisel, Moss performed a set which included his solo hits Telephone Booth and Tuckers Daughter from his first album Matchbook, plus My Baby and Bow River which he wrote and performed during his years with 'Chisel'.

TV personality and comedian Peter Hellier was MC for the event and his close friend and Collingwood footballer wannabe Brian 'Strauchnie' Strauchan made a brief yet memorable appearance. Whilst Shannon Noll was on stage belting out What about me, Strauchnie saw fit to enter from stage right and begin hollering out What about Strauchnie. Being typically not-so-humble in the company of real talent, Strauchnie soon realised he was out of his vocal league and went back to wherever it is that he loiters in between engagements.

Shannon Noll
Photo: Darren Stones

Shannon Noll opened with Loud, which so happens to be my favourite track of his. From the days of obscurity where he was discovered on Australian Idol in 2003, Noll's performance and voice has matured to a point where his presence in such popular company was warranted. His stage performance quickly commanded the attention of the crowd and they in turn responded to his highly-charged performance. The ladies just love him.

Shannon Noll
Photo: Darren Stones

Noiseworks have re-formed and with Jon Stevens out front are playing as good as ever. Long regarded as one of the country's most under-rated acts during the 1980s, Stevens announced to their fans that Noiseworks will be recording a new album - their first in 19 years.

Noiseworks' performance was regarded by many in the crowd as the best of the night with Stevens's voice and energy reminiscent of decades gone by. Stevens is ageing like a fine wine and is looking remarkably fit - a credit to him.

Stevens dedicated Touch to those suffering from the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Jon Stevens - Noiseworks
Photo: Darren Stones

Jon Stevens - Noiseworks
Photo: Darren Stones

Jimmy Barnes was the headline act of the evening and deservedly so. In the style Australians are becoming accustomed to seeing, he quickly commanded the full attention of the audience. Barnes has arguably become the elder statesman of Australian rock and seems to be revelling in his role.

Jimmy Barnes
Photo: Darren Stones

Jimmy Barnes
Photo: Darren Stones

Barnes, who was accompanied on stage during his 90-minute performance by three family members, finished the night strongly by pleasing his screaming fans with Driving Wheels and Working Class Man.

The Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow

Victoria's supershow is landing

What: Camping & Touring Supershow
When: Thursday, March 10th – Tuesday, March 15th
Where: Caulfield Racecourse
Why: Great range of caravans, campers, tents, camping gear and more.

Sponsored by CIL insurance, the biggest caravan and camping show in the southern hemisphere is landing just in time for the touring season. Check out a massive range of caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, tents, camping gear and every accessory under the sun, so you don’t have to leave luxury behind when you leave home.

Every year more and more Australians are making the great leap, discovering how affordable and awesome touring Australia can be. Whether you’re into weekends away or the big lap, they’ll be something at the show to get your pulse racing.

Over six days experts will be on hand conducting seminars on everything you need to know to hit the road smiling. As usual, the grandstand will be packed to the rafters with tourism displays offering invaluable free advice for your next adventure and there will be loads of free 2011 Tourism & Caravan Park guides.

Coxy and Franky J will be there to entertain the adults, with Roary the Racing Car on hand Saturday through Monday for the kids. Win fantastic prizes, with a Paramount Caravan worth over $30,000 up for grabs!

Open Thursday through Tuesday from 9:30AM, parking is free before 11AM. Admission is $17, kids under 15 are free. Pensioners and Senior’s Card holders $13. Wheelchair access and disabled parking available.

For more information visit http://www.caravanshow.com.au/

Easter treats on the Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast will be eggsactly perfect for family holiday fun this Easter

By Darren Stones

I remember the days—before Facebook and iPhones—when I’d peel back the foil paper of a neatly-wrapped chocolate Easter egg and begin to ponder its fate. Inevitably I’d begin playing with my food and go through the annual Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall ritual. Not surprisingly, Humpty would come crashing down and shatter into bite-size pieces and then I’d munch away to my heart’s content. A kid’s got to do what a kid’s got to do!

When it comes to entertaining your kids this Easter, the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales is the ideal place to take a holiday. With an abundance of kid-friendly things to do, it's time for mums and dads to make accommodation bookings in readiness for some terrific fun and games.

Merimbula Lake at low tide: Darren Stones

I’ve had Liz Swanton from Sapphire Coast Tourism on the case and she’s come up with some great Easter holiday ideas. “If your kids are captivated by critters, the Sapphire Coast offers fascination aplenty in the school holidays,” she said.

Liz says the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Eden is offering a tailored-to-you program of workshops themed ‘soft and squishy’, which is aimed at de-mystifying underwater creatures. For a group of four or more, the Centre will schedule a discovery session to fit your holiday timetable. Contact the Centre to book a time on phone: 02 6496 1699. http://www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au/

Marine Discovery Tour: Sapphire Coast Tourism

Liz also informs that platypus, snakes and koalas are among the subjects covered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Discovery walks, talks and tours program. She suggests checking the Sapphire Coast website for more details and to book your adventure by calling 1300 361 606. http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/

Here’s 10 more beaut ideas to add to your list:

• The Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is worth a visit to taste the region’s award-winning cheeses and find out more about the history of the dairy industry. http://www.begacheese.com.au/ 
• The Eden Killer Whale Museum is where you will discover the fascinating story of the whales that used to help the earliest settlers. http://www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au/

Old Tom, Eden Killer Whale Museum: Darren Stones

• The Montreal Goldfield at Bermagui has a fascinating history, as Australia’s only coastal goldfield. http://www.montrealgoldfield.org.au/  
• Youngsters will enjoy a visit to the Potoroo Palace. http://www.potoroopalace.com/  
• Peer into the 27 tanks at the Merimbula Wharf Aquarium. http://www.merimbulawharf.com.au/  

Merimbula Wharf: Darren Stones

• Spend some fun park hours at Magic Mountain. http://www.magicmountain.net.au/
• Mandeni Family Fun Park has over 400 acres to explore. http://www.mandeni.com.au/  
• Channel your inner soldier with a visit to Wolumla Paintball. http://wolumlapaintball.wetpaint.com/  
• Learn to surf with Coastlife Adventures, or if the adrenaline is still pumping, there are so many great trails to ride a mountain bike or a horse. http://www.coastlife.com.au/  
• Top Fun offers tenpin bowling, mini golf, video games and a kiosk for when the kids get the munchies. http://www.topfun.com.au/  

Mitchies Jetty, Merimbula: Darren Stones

The Visitor Information Centres on the Sapphire Coast are staffed by friendly locals who can assist you if you get stuck for further ideas. Some centres stock toys, and all have a large range of quality merchandise. For more information, check out the Sapphire Coast Tourism website. http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/

Shear Outback - Hay, NSW

It's a few clicks from the big smoke

By Darren Stones

Every so often a sense of anticipation washes over me about a far away tourist attraction. Planning a trip which encompasses a visit to a sheep shearing shed – one which requires a fee to be paid – may not be at the top of everyone’s list of things to do. The intrigue surrounding Shear Outback was enough for me to drive from Melbourne to Hay to check out what it was all about.

Shear Outback
Photo: © Darren Stones

Located in the New South Wales outback town of Hay, on the Long Paddock touring route, Shear Outback is an attraction that is Australian to the core. With a Shearers Hall of Fame, a windmill the size of a baby wind turbine, and an ornate indoor display of sheep shears, how much more dinky-di could it be?

As an Aussie bloke in his forties, I’m embarrassed to say I’d never witnessed a sheep being shorn, so Shear Outback provided me the chance to witness Glen, a professional shearer and about-to-retire Aussie rules footballer, using some fancy motorised clippers. Unfortunately, there was no clicking of the shears in the shed with its dappled light, just the humming noise of the clippers and a slight struggle from a couple of sheep.

I was given a brief lesson from Glen about a day in the life of a shearer. From the equipment they use, to the way they dress, it was all news to me. In many respects, the life of a shearer has changed from the old days where they now travel locally to give a flock of sheep their free haircut.

Glen the shearer
Photo: © Darren Stones

The Shearers Hall of Fame features mounted boards containing profiles and achievements celebrating various shearers who have given back to the trade. Henry Salter MBE, Kevin Sarre and John Hutchinson OAM may not be household names, but their achievements are noteworthy.

Henry Salter (1907-1997) was inducted into the hall of fame in 2002. He learnt to shear sheep at age 16 at Kerang in Victoria. At 18, he landed his first job as a shearer and sheared only 41 sheep on his first day. On his third day, his tally had reduced to 30 due to being that sore he could hardly move.

Kevin Sarre (1933-1995) a five-time Australian shearing champion sheared 200 sheep in a day with his left hand, just to prove he could do it. His tally-hi shearing technique reduced shearing time by up to 30 seconds per sheep. On 26 October, 1965, he set an Australian record by machine-shearing 346 full-grown merino sheep in 7 hours and 48 minutes at Batesworth Station near Penshurst.

Kevin Sarre OAM
Photo: © Darren Stones

John Hutchinson, born 1943, is a third generation shearer and was taught to shear by his father. A six-time Australian shearing champion, John found satisfaction in training and teaching, and was awarded the OAM for doing so. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2002.

For kids, and kids at heart, there’s a beaut opportunity in store. You can pretend to be shearing a sheep and have your photo taken by a relative or friend; however grabbing the sheep around the throat and smiling for the camera is a look which had me in stitches.

Bronwyn pretending to shear a sheep
Photo: © Darren Stones

I came away from Shear Outback with a greater knowledge, respect and understanding of farming families and their lives in the bush. An experience I highly recommend.

Further information:

Shear Outback

Cnr. Sturt & Cobb Highways

Hay NSW 2711

Phone: (02) 6993 4000

http://shearoutback.com.au/